How to Choose a Blog Topic: Research & Strategy Tips
Use Keyword Research Tools to Find Trending Topics
When you’re trying to choose the perfect blog topic, one of the smartest strategies is to use keyword research tools. These tools help you discover what people are actively searching for online, giving you a clear direction on what content is currently in demand.
Start by using tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to identify trending keywords in your niche. These platforms show you the search volume, competition level, and even related keyword ideas. For example, if you’re in the health and wellness niche, you might find that ‘gut health’ or ‘intermittent fasting’ are currently popular topics. This insight allows you to create content that not only aligns with your interests but also meets the needs of your audience.
Another helpful tip is to analyze seasonal trends. Google Trends (https://trends.google.com) is especially useful for this. You can track how interest in a topic rises or falls throughout the year, helping you plan your content calendar more effectively.
Using keyword research tools doesn’t just help you find trending topics—it also helps you avoid wasting time on content that won’t perform well. By focusing on data-driven decisions, you increase your chances of attracting more readers, improving SEO, and growing your blog sustainably.
Benchmark Content from Blogs, YouTube, and Books
When choosing a blog topic, it’s incredibly helpful to benchmark existing content from other platforms like blogs, YouTube, and books. This process gives you a clear picture of what’s already out there, what’s resonating with audiences, and where you can offer something new or better.
Start by identifying successful blogs in your niche. Look at their most popular posts—what topics do they cover? What questions are they answering? Tools like BuzzSumo or Ahrefs can help you analyze which blog posts are getting the most shares or backlinks.
Next, explore YouTube. Search for videos related to your potential blog topic and filter by view count. High-performing videos indicate strong interest. Pay attention to the video titles, thumbnails, and comments to understand what viewers are engaging with and what questions they still have.
Books are another rich source of insight. Browse Amazon or Google Books for bestsellers in your niche. Read the table of contents and customer reviews to identify common themes, pain points, or knowledge gaps. This can help you find a unique angle or approach for your blog.
By benchmarking across these platforms, you’re not copying—you’re gathering inspiration and identifying opportunities to add value. This strategy ensures your blog topic is relevant, in demand, and positioned to stand out.
For further reading on content benchmarking, you can refer to this helpful guide from HubSpot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/content-benchmarking
Break Down Broad Keywords to Specific Niches
When choosing a blog topic, starting with a broad keyword can feel overwhelming. For example, ‘fitness’ is a popular topic, but it’s far too general to rank well or attract a loyal audience. To create content that truly resonates and performs well in search engines, it’s important to narrow down that broad keyword into a specific niche.
Start by identifying subtopics within the broad keyword. For ‘fitness’, you might consider ‘postpartum fitness’, ‘home workouts for beginners’, or ‘strength training for women over 40’. These are more targeted and allow you to speak directly to a specific audience. Not only does this improve your chances of ranking on Google, but it also helps you build trust and authority within a defined community.
Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs to analyze search volume and competition. Look for long-tail keywords—phrases that are more specific and usually longer. These often have lower competition and higher conversion potential. For example, instead of targeting ‘yoga’, you might go for ‘morning yoga routine for beginners’.
Another helpful strategy is to explore forums, Reddit threads, or Facebook groups related to your broad topic. These platforms can reveal real questions and pain points people have, giving you insight into what niche topics are in demand.
By breaking down broad keywords into specific niches, you create content that is not only more discoverable but also more valuable to your readers. This approach leads to better engagement, more shares, and a stronger blog presence over time.
For more guidance on keyword research, you can check out Google’s official SEO Starter Guide: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide
Discover Seasonal and Trend-Based Topics Efficiently
Choosing the right blog topic can be a game-changer, especially when you align your content with seasonal trends and current interests. To do this effectively, it’s important to understand what your audience is searching for right now and what they might be interested in in the near future.
Start by exploring seasonal patterns. For example, topics like ‘holiday gift guides’ in December or ‘back-to-school tips’ in August consistently attract attention. Google Trends (https://trends.google.com) is a fantastic free tool that helps you identify when certain topics spike in popularity throughout the year. By analyzing these patterns, you can plan your content calendar in advance and publish posts when interest is at its peak.
In addition to seasonal content, trend-based topics can drive significant traffic. Use tools like Exploding Topics or AnswerThePublic to discover emerging trends before they become saturated. Social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter are also great for spotting viral conversations. Pay attention to hashtags and trending topics that align with your niche.
To make your blog truly helpful, combine evergreen content with timely posts. This balance ensures you stay relevant while also building long-term value. And remember, always validate a trend’s relevance to your audience before diving in—what’s trending in general may not always resonate with your readers.
By staying informed and planning ahead, you’ll not only attract more readers but also position yourself as a timely and reliable source of information.
